For every reason there is to keep tying the same tried-and-tested TK that you always tie (that’s right, we’re talking to you), there’s as valid a reason to try something new and possibly even choose an arms-free chest harness. These can be especially useful if the person being tied is recovering from injury, doesn’t have the shoulder mobility for an arms-behind-the-back harness, tends to experience nerve compression in the arms or simply doesn’t enjoy the restrictiveness of having their arms tied.
Easy to tie, suitable for self-tying, comfortable and ultra-functional: what can’t this TK-inspired chest harness do? As taught by Fred Hatt with his model Mio, the simplicity of this harness – with its bands around the upper, middle and lower part of the torso – is also its greatest strength. It makes a perfect base tie to start getting creative with third ropes or to combine with other arm ties.
There’s no Shibari Study harness that works as hard for as many people as Gorgone’s elegant Butterfly Harness – beautiful, versatile, suspendable and highly sustainable, this has long been the most popular class on Shibari Study for a reason. Of course, starting with the arms free doesn’t mean you have to keep them free: the course offers options for adding a bamboo without adding much pressure to the arms, or incorporating a strappado for a greater challenge.
Many variations have emerged from the cocoon of Gorgone’s original Butterfly Harness, including the eye-catching Woven Heart Harness, as taught by Cait and their tying partner Gigi. The intricate woven pattern on the front is pretty-with-a-purpose, as it was designed to secure the lower lines and avoid the waist rope sliding up towards the ribs – plus, it helps to more widely distribute pressure, making for more comfortable face-down suspensions. And with the arms free, it’s ideal for any level of flexibility.
Diamonds are a rope harness’s best friend, especially when you’re looking to create a complex and hands-free full-body tie like Kinoko’s highly decorative Diamond Harness. While it can be time-consuming to tie, it’s engineered for safe and sustainable suspensions and transitions. Wear it out to your next play party as kinky rope apparel or build your next suspension sequence around it – this is the rare harness that can do both.
We’re not done with diamonds yet either… Utilizing a hands-free hishi design, the Neko Harness was developed by Tamandua for sensation play and engaging floor-based tying sessions. From its strategically placed pressure points to the stimulating crotch rope (which can be adapted for any anatomical configuration), this harness proves that you don’t need to bind the arms or take a tie into the air to begin playing with intensity.
How do I find rope bondage classes near me? Where possible, we will always advocate for a combination of learning shibari online and in-person tuition. Each type of learning offers its own distinct and different benefits. If you’re not sure how to find shibari classes in your area, there are online resources that can help you connect IRL. FetLife can be a great resource for seeking out fellow kinky folks and for finding your local rope bondage community. The Shibari Study Discord is also an online rope community space that connects Shibari Study members from around the globe. Why not pop into our ‘Introductions’ channel and share a little about yourself and your rope practice? You’re bound to find plenty of likeminded rope enthusiasts and perhaps even some pointers towards your first in-person shibari class…
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